Revolutionary Education System of Singapore Vol.3: Diversity and Inclusion in a Global City

In every place we visit, the essence of Singapore’s diversity and inclusivity accompanies us. It resonates in the Chinese, Malay, and Indian languages we hear, it is visible in the signage written in different languages, and it is undeniably present in the traditional temples of various ethnicities.

First let’s catch a glimpse of it:

Historical Divides in Singapore

Situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, Singapore has defied the prevalent tensions between different ethnic groups in the region to emerge as a harmonious multicultural society. The pledge of Singapore’s founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, during independence, has indeed materialized, making Singapore's multiculturalism a source of pride and a global exemplar.

However, this journey has been far from easy. Behind the awe-inspiring multiculturalism and coexistence of languages in contemporary Singapore lies a history of deep-seated divides and conflicts.

Colonial Policies and Ethnic Segregation

During the colonial period under British rule, the administration pursued a “Divide and Rule” policy, segregating various ethnic groups to facilitate control. The Chinese resided in the city, the Malays in Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai, and the Indians in the plantations of Serangoon and Sembawang. This allowed different ethnicities the "freedom" to practice their religions and use their languages.

Many of the traditional temples we see today, such as the Thian Hock Keng Temple dedicated to Mazu, the Mariamman Temple for Hindus, and the Sultan Mosque, were established against this backdrop of ethnic segregation.

On July 21, 1964, clashes erupted between Malay participants of a procession celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad and Chinese bystanders, leading to riots. This marked a peak in social rifts and ethnic conflicts in Singapore.

In a country with limited resources, its people are its most precious asset. Lee Kuan Yew emphasized from the inception of independence that different races, languages, and cultures should hold equal standing. Consequently, the Singaporean government decisively implemented a series of measures to promote ethnic integration, exemplified by the Ethnic Integration Programme (EIP) launched in 1989.

Public Housing and Racial Integration

As Singapore's population continued to grow, the government observed that different ethnic groups tended to cluster, leading to cultural segregation. In response, the 1989 Ethnic Integration Policy was introduced, mandating racial quotas for public housing allocation to facilitate interaction among different ethnicities. This policy aimed to break down cultural enclaves and promote interaction, communication, and dialogue among different ethnic groups, preparing Singaporeans to live in a multicultural public space.

Unity in Diversity

While the public housing policy might seem stringent, Singapore's policymakers wisely balanced the strictness of the policy with flexibility. This understanding is reflected in the bilingual education policy, where English serves as the primary medium of instruction, and "mother tongue" languages are taught as compulsory subjects and for cultural education. This ensures smooth communication among various ethnic groups while preserving the cultural roots of Singapore's multicultural fabric.

Singapore has made significant efforts to safeguard the cultural identities of its diverse ethnic groups, such as establishing cultural precincts like Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, which respectively reflect the Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures. These precincts not only serve as tourist attractions but also as spiritual homes where people of different ethnicities feel a sense of belonging.

Moreover, Singapore's public holidays manifest respect and inclusivity for various ethnic and religious celebrations, including the Chinese New Year, Vesak Day for Buddhists, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji for Muslims, and Thaipusam for the Indian community. This respect and inclusivity have nurtured an inherent acceptance and empathy among Singaporeans towards diverse cultural practices and traditions.

For educators planning a transformative educational journey, a school trip to Singapore offers a unique opportunity to immerse students in a multicultural environment, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Explore the vibrant cultural landscape of Singapore on an educational trip that promises immersive learning experiences and lasting memories.

Join us on a school trip to Singapore and embark on a journey of discovery and cultural enrichment.